Car Review: 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4WD

The 2005 model year sees the first major changes to Ford's
popular Escape mini-SUV since its introduction four years ago.
Most immediately noticeably, the styling has been freshened,
not an uncommon occurrence for any car or truck after a few
years. But that's merely the surface, as there are engine and
chassis refinements across the line, and a new
gasoline-electric hybrid model.

On the straight gasoline side, engine choices seem the same
at a glance, with an entry-level four-cylinder and, unusually
for the mini-ute crossover class, a 3.0-liter V6. But the new
2.3-liter ``Duratec'' four replaces the old 2.0-liter
``Zetec,'' and improves upon it considerably with an additional
26 horsepower - to 153 - and 15 lb-ft of torque - to 152. The
3.0-liter ``Duratec'' V6 is the same basic engine as has been
in V6 Escapes since 2001, with the same 200 horsepower, but it
has a new engine management system for improved throttle
response, and changes to engine mounts reduce vibration. The
hybrid uses a modified version of the Duratec four-cylinder
engine in a full-hybrid drivetrain, and will be the subject of
an upcoming test.

Front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option, is
expected in the small crossover class, and the Escape has fit
that description since day one. But the old ``Control Trac II''
four-wheel drive system, which featured two driver-selectable
settings, automatic front-rear torque split and locked center
differential, has been replaced by the ``Intelligent 4WD''
system, which uses a computer-controlled center clutch to
engage the rear wheels as needed. The control computer uses
data from sensors at all four wheels and the accelerator to
determine how much torque to send to the rear wheels to prevent
wheel slip. Ford claims that Intelligent 4WD is transparent in
operation, and improves fuel economy ever so slightly compared
to the old system. It is available with both engines.

Lastly, additional soundproofing materials have been added,
the brakes have been upgraded, and the suspension has been
re-tuned to improve the ride quality and handling.
There are three trim levels, XLS, XLT, and Limited, with a
variety of options and option packages offered. I've just spent
a week with a 4WD XLT V6. The last Escape I drove, shortly
after it was introduced, was a little soft in the suspension.
This one was much better, firmly-sprung and damped for sporty
handling and a fun-to-drive character, but not uncomfortable at
all. The extra soundproofing and new engine mounts reduce
noise, vibration, and harshness, further increasing driving
pleasure. As always, power from the V6 was very good, and
four-cylinder customers should get a much-improved experience
this year. The seemingly small, but significant, improvements
to this year's Ford Escape keep it at the head of its class.

APPEARANCE: Although the Escape's basic
mini-Explorer shape remains unchanged, new headlights and new
front and rear fascias give it a fresh new look. The new pieces
are a little more angular, and give it a slightly more
assertive stance - ``aggressive'' just isn't going to work to
describe a small, urban-oriented crossover. Chrome trim is
minimal. Built-in fender flares, with plastic-clad extensions,
give a sporty look, and the prominent character line on the
side that joins the wheel arches removes any chance of
slab-sidedness. The dropped hood center gives the Escape a more
sports car-like than truck-like character. Its styling is
generally understated, not overly aggressive or macho like some
other SUVs. The side cladding should protect from common minor
parking lot combat damage. Running boards are available, but
are hardly necessary because of the low step-in height.

COMFORT: There is more change inside than out, with
revisions to the instrument panel and a new center console that
features more storage space than the previous design. The seats
are also new. Ford claims they offer greater comfort and
support, and I won't argue. With medium-firm padding and good
side support, they would not be out of place in a sporty sedan.
The driver's seat of my XLT test vehicle had power adjustment
for the cushion, including height, and a manual back; the front
passenger seat is manual. Black-on-white instruments and
silvery plastic trim give it a touch of contemporary
sport-import style. The controls, even for the optional ``Mach
360'' audio system, are simple and easy to use. Rear seat room
is good, aided by a nearly-flat floor. It's split 60/40, with
flip-up cushions for a flat load floor, to give maximum cargo
versatility. Tiedowns in the cargo area can be useful. As with
other Ford SUVs, the rear window opens separately from the
tailgate for quick access to small items. The spare tire is
located underneath the body, as in a pickup.

SAFETY: Ford's ``Personal Safety System,'' a
combination of sensor-managed frontal airbags and safety belt
pretensioners, is now standard in all Escapes. Occupant
classification sensing determines the weight of front seat
occupants for optimum airbag deployment. The ``Safety Canopy''
system of sensors and side-curtain airbags is available, and
can add protection in the event of a rollover. Antilock brakes
are standard on all models; V6 four-wheel drive models have
four-wheel discs.

ROADABILITY: The 2005 Escape's sportier exterior and
interior looks actually herald a driving experience that has
much more sport than most small sport-utilities. Spring and
shock settings are firmer than they were in the past, for much
less body roll in corners and less pitch and yaw on
poorly-paved surfaces. The comfort level is still high - think
high sporty wagon and you'll be about right. My test Escape had
the Intelligent 4WD system, and it worked remarkably well,
getting the engine's considerable power to the ground with a
lack of fuss. Much fun was had on tight, twisty ``sports car''
roads that are normally merely endured, slowly, in an SUV, even
a small one. Interior noise levels were comparable to a small
sedan's. It looks like a truck, it can be filled with stuff
like a truck, but there is no conventional truck in the
Escape's heritage, and that makes for a great vehicle on the
road. With eight inches of ground clearance, bumps, chuckholes,
and road debris that are hazardous to a sedan's health are not
problems, and dirt and gravel forest service roads should be
fine.

PERFORMANCE: With 150 horses now, four-cylinder
Escapes ought to be much quicker than earlier four-cylinder
models. With 200 horses available from the XLT's 3.0-liter
twincam 24-valve aluminum-alloy V6, acceleration and
hill-climbing present no problems. And, with the towing
package, a V6 Escape can tow up to 3500 lbs, far more than most
small crossover SUVs. The four-speed automatic transmission is
well-suited to the engine's power characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: The Ford Escape has significant improvements for
2005, and combines its utility with a good dose of sport.